When Pregnancy Isn’t Glowing: One Woman’s Battle with Hyperemesis Gravidarum

When did you first realize something wasn’t right with your pregnancy? 

I was 8 weeks pregnant, and the vomiting wasn’t letting up; it was, in fact, worsening every day. 

How far along were you when symptoms began? What symptoms were you experiencing, and how did they progress?

I was 3 weeks pregnant when we found out. My first symptom was that I got COVID for the very first time. I was miserably ill, 3 days after COVID hit, the vomiting started. Unfortunately, my vomiting never went away until I delivered my son.

Had you heard of Hyperemesis Gravidarum before your diagnosis?

No! I only heard of morning sickness prior. 

What was your initial reaction when you learned about HG and were diagnosed with it?

I was happy to finally get a diagnosis. However, I was frustrated because you hear about how magical pregnancy is, and I was having the opposite experience and disliked it! 

Did you feel your concerns were taken seriously from the beginning?

No! It took multiple times advocating for myself. My OB never had a case of HG, and they felt it was just severe morning sickness. They kept insisting we wait to treat until after my 1st trimester. Once the first trimester was over, they started to take me seriously. 

How was it apparent that doctors were taking your condition seriously during the second trimester, what changed?

After losing a significant amount of weight, I believe it kick-started the doctors to take it seriously and try to get me the help I needed.

What was the process like getting a proper diagnosis?

I would have to fill out a HER chart at every visit. It is a form sent to insurance, so they see my severity and continue my anti-nausea meds. You have to jump through all insurance hurdles to get proper treatment & diagnosis. 

What did treatment look like? Was it helpful?

Unfortunately, the treatment did not help my case. I went three times/week for IV fluids. I was taking the max dose of Zofran, B6 & Unisom at night. We also tested two rounds of steroids. The steroids were the only things that provided me with a bit of relief! Other medications tried: Regalin and Compazine.

What were your most challenging physical symptoms?

Vomiting & body aches. I felt like I had the stomach flu for 9 months! I feared eating and drinking. 

Were doctors, family, and friends supportive?

My husband & family were extremely supportive, mainly because they saw my misery firsthand. Doctors, over time, became supportive. Friends, not so much, unfortunately. Many of my mom friends had fantastic pregnancies or hadn’t yet had kids so they couldn’t relate. 

What kind of support would you have liked to see from your friends during this difficult time? 

I would have loved for them to check in. To offer to come and hang out when they could. To not offer suggestions like trying ginger or drinking Sprite. It was extremely isolating.

Did you feel comfortable asking them for support?

No, mainly because when I brought up how my journey was going, I felt shunned for explaining how miserable I was.

What kind of support was most helpful during this time?

A listening ear and understanding. People who understood that I was struggling physically & mentally from the exhaustion my body was going through. 

How did HG affect your work or daily responsibilities?

I started short-term disability at 3 months pregnant, because I could not perform my work duties. I then merged to long-term disability and then maternity leave. Along with the leave, I was placed on bed rest at month 4. So cooking, cleaning, etc, was not applicable for me. 

How did it impact your relationships and social life?

It took a harsh toll on my marriage. Not because my husband wasn’t supportive but because it wasn’t the experience either one of us was prepared for. We are an adventurous couple and being bed-bound for 6 months, feeling completely dependent on someone, is challenging! 

How did HG affect your mental health and emotional well-being?

I suffered severe depression during this time. I could not see the end in sight. I counted down the days until induction, hoping for a chance to eat and feel better again. 

What symptoms of depression were you experiencing?

The main one was suicidal thoughts. I couldn’t fathom going on another day. I cried 24/7, just wanting to sleep and be left alone in a dark room.

Did you seek out mental health support or treatments? If so, were they helpful?

I did, I started therapy. Unfortunately, they did not really help at that time.

What was unhelpful about therapy?

I just did not feel supported. I think when you’re in an extremely dark space, you can self-sabotage and isolate even more!

How did HG impact your thoughts and feelings surrounding your pregnancy?

I hated being pregnant. I couldn’t understand why I was being punished. Why everyone describes pregnancy as a miracle when it felt like a cruel joke. 

What accommodations did you need to make in your life?

We had to completely change our lifestyle. From traveling the world to just staying home and watching TV. 

How has this experience shaped your perspective on pregnancy and women’s health?

My respect for mothers went through the roof. For anyone who had dealt with this disease and made it out on the other side. It made me realize we have to advocate for ourselves, or nobody else will. 

What kind of advocacy do you think would be helpful or supportive for mothers, where would you like to see change?

I believe the advocacy needs to start with the doctors. We need more physicians who are willing to listen to their patients and treat them accordingly. I’d also love to see more local support groups, so women & men dealing with this know they’re not alone.

What do you think needs to change about how HG is understood and treated?

It’s still fairly new as being a recognized disease. They are just discovering the cause; it’ll be a long time before proper treatment occurs.  I believe Grace, and empathy is needed as this disease is navigated. More than anything, I believe doctors need to listen to their patients.

What message would you want to share with healthcare providers about HG?

It is an already debilitating illness. Many of us are fighting for our lives and our babies. Please understand these moms just need to find some sort of relief. 

Do you have any words of wisdom or advice for other women experiencing HG?

As cliché as it sounds, it’s all worth it. Join the HER foundation social media platforms; they have support groups you can join! Find a home hobby you enjoy. Think about possibly going to therapy. Talk openly with your friends & family about how you’re feeling and what you’re experiencing.

Most importantly, know you’re not alone. There are many of us who have struggled in silence. Please don’t allow yourself to struggle alone; find any avenue you can. Women with HG are more likely to have Postpartum Depression (PPD), which causes for another very long road. Seek help sooner rather than later!